(Clark State Forest) - Indiana Conservation Officers responded to a call of 2 lost hikers in the Clark State Forest, near Deam Lake Saturday night.

A male and female had been lost since 4:00 p.m., when they called 911 around 7:00 p.m. Conservation Officers and multiple agencies responded to locate the pair.

Conservation Officers utilized ATVs, but were severely hampered due to many downed trees from recent storms, and extremely treacherous terrain. With the assistance of an Indiana State Police Helicopter, Conservation Officers abandoned their ATVs and hiked nearly 5 miles to the pair, who had started a fire for warmth.

Both Holcomb and Vance were very exhausted, but uninjured. Neither had been hiking in Clark State Forest before.

Multiple agencies, including Borden Township and Sellersburg Fire Departments, Indiana State Police, and the Clark County Sheriff's Department assisted in the search.

Conservation Officers encourage all hikers to be prepared when taking to the woods. Necessary items should include a current map of the trails, compass, first aid kit, flashlight, and extra food and water.